The Meghalaya government has set up a new forum bringing together tourism operators, community leaders, environmentalists, and officials to frame regulations aimed at balancing tourism growth with cultural and environmental sustainability.
Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh said the initiative reflects growing concerns about unregulated tourism, which while beneficial for revenue, has put pressure on the state’s fragile ecosystems and local traditions. “We must create a framework that allows tourism to thrive without eroding our identity or damaging the environment,” he noted.
The forum will discuss guidelines for homestays, adventure tourism, transport services, and eco-tourism projects. Community representatives stressed that local voices must remain central in policymaking, pointing to issues such as waste management in popular destinations like Shillong, Sohra, and Dawki.
Environmental experts participating in the forum warned of the rising ecological footprint of mass tourism, highlighting challenges such as plastic pollution, river degradation, and deforestation. They urged the government to adopt stricter standards for carrying capacity and green certification for tourism businesses.
Tour operators welcomed the move, noting that regulation will bring greater clarity, professionalism, and accountability to the sector. They also emphasized the need for infrastructure upgrades to match the state’s growing popularity as a tourist destination.
The forum is expected to submit its recommendations to the government within three months. Officials said the regulations will be shaped in line with both national tourism policies and local community needs, with the goal of ensuring long-term sustainability.
